Bicycle control cable fixing device

ABSTRACT

A control cable fixing device is coupled to a bicycle component such as a rear derailleur in order to secure an inner wire of a control cable to the bicycle component. The control cable fixing device includes a support member with a first engagement surface and a cable fixing member with a second engagement surface. The cable fixing member is rotatable relative to the support member. The cable fixing member and the support member secure the inner wire between the engagement surfaces in response to rotational movement of the cable fixing member to a cable fixing position. The cable fixing member preferably includes a cam portion and a lever portion that is manually operable to rotate the cable fixing member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/725,370 filed on Dec. 3, 2003 (pending, allowed). The entiredisclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/725,370 is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a control cable fixing device for abicycle component. More specifically, the present invention relates to acontrol cable fixing device for a bicycle rear derailleur, which ismanually operable from the upper side of the rear derailleur.

2. Background Information

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One component that has been extensively redesigned over theyears is the rear derailleur of the bicycle.

Typically, a rear derailleur has a base member and a chain guide movablycoupled to the base member via a linkage assembly. The base member iscoupled to the rear triangle of the frame of the bicycle. The chainguide is configured to move the chain laterally over a plurality of rearsprockets. A spring typically biases the chain guide to an innermost oroutermost position relative to the rear sprockets. A bowden-type controlcable with an outer sheath and an inner wire is typically coupled to therear derailleur and to a conventional shift control device.

The outer casing of the control cable is typically received in a recessof the base member, while the inner wire is fixedly coupled to thelinkage assembly to move the chain guide against the biasing force ofthe spring. The inner wire is typically coupled to the outer, lower areaof the linkage assembly with a cable fixing plate and a cable fixingbolt that is threadedly coupled to the linkage assembly. The cablefixing bolt is tightened with a tool such as a hexagonal wrench orscrewdriver to squeeze the inner wire between the cable fixing plate andthe linkage assembly. Thus, the chain guide can be moved laterally bymoving the linkage assembly via the inner wire. Pulling the inner wiremoves the chain guide against the biasing force of the spring, whilereleasing the inner wire causes the chain guide to move due to thebiasing force of the spring.

While these typical rear derailleurs usually work very well, there aredrawbacks with these rear derailleurs. In particular, when these typicalrear derailleurs are used in extreme riding conditions such as “extrememountain biking”, “downhill riding”, etc., debris such as brush andtrees can catch the control cable and control cable fixing mechanism.This can adversely affect shifting performance in some situations.Additionally, it can be difficult to fix the inner wire to the linkageassembly with a hexagonal wrench or screwdriver due to the location ofthe cable fixing bolt relative to the bicycle.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that there exists a need for a bicycle componentwith an improved bicycle control cable fixing device. This inventionaddresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle componentwith a control cable fixing device that reliably, non-movably couples abicycle control cable to the bicycle component.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bicyclecomponent with a control cable fixing device that is manually operable,i.e., without the use of a tool such as a hexagonal wrench orscrewdriver.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bicyclecomponent with a control cable fixing device that reduces debris such asbrush and trees catching on the bicycle component and/or the controlcable fixing device of the bicycle component.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a bicyclecomponent with a control cable fixing device that is relatively simpleand inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, yet relatively lightweight.

The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing a bicyclecontrol cable fixing device adapted to be coupled to a bicyclecomponent. The bicycle control cable fixing device comprises a supportmember and a cable fixing member. The support member has a first cableengagement surface. The cable fixing member is non-threadedly supportedon the support member to rotate about a rotation axis. The cable fixingmember has a second cable engagement surface. The cable fixing memberand the support member are arranged and configured such that an innerwire of a bicycle control cable is secured between the first and secondcable engagement surfaces in response to rotational movement of thecable fixing member to a cable fixing position from a cable releaseposition.

The foregoing objects can also basically be attained by providing abicycle component that comprises a first member and a second member witha bicycle control cable fixing device. The first member is adapted to becoupled to a bicycle. The first member includes a cable housingreceiving recess adapted to receive an outer casing of a bicycle controlcable. The second member is movably coupled relative to the firstmember. The second member includes the bicycle control cable fixingdevice fixedly coupled thereto. The bicycle control cable fixing deviceis configured to non-movably retain an inner wire of the bicycle controlcable thereto such that movement of the inner wire moves the secondmember relative to the first member. The bicycle control cable fixingdevice includes a support member and a cable fixing member. The supportmember has a first cable engagement surface. The cable fixing member isnon-threadedly supported on the support member to rotate about arotation axis. The cable fixing member has a second cable engagementsurface. The cable fixing member and the support member are arranged andconfigured such that the inner wire of the bicycle control cable issecured between the first and second cable engagement surfaces inresponse to rotational movement of the cable fixing member.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of bicycle equipped with a rearderailleur (component) having a control cable fixing device inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the rear derailleurillustrated in FIG. 1, with portions of the bicycle removed for thepurpose of illustration;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the rear derailleur illustrated inFIG. 2, with the rear derailleur removed from the bicycle for thepurpose of illustration;

FIG. 4 is a partial, rear elevational view of the rear derailleurillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the rear derailleur removed from thebicycle for the purpose of illustration;

FIG. 5 is a partial inclined elevational view of the rear derailleurillustrated in FIGS. 2-4, illustrating the linkage assembly of the rearderailleur with the control cable fixing device coupled thereto;

FIG. 6 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the portions of the rearderailleur illustrated in FIG. 5, as viewed along section line 6-6 ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the linkage assembly of therear derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, the control cable fixingdevice coupled to the inner link of the linkage assembly;

FIG. 8 is an exploded, enlarged perspective view of the control cablefixing device illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the control cable fixing deviceillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, with the cable fixing member in a cablerelease position;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the control cable fixing deviceillustrated in FIG. 9, as viewed along section line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the control cable fixing deviceillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, as viewed along section line 11-11 ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of the control cable fixing deviceillustrated in FIGS. 7-11, with the cable fixing member in a cablefixing position;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the control cable fixing deviceillustrated in FIG. 12, as viewed along section line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the control cable fixing deviceillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, as viewed along section line 14-14 ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, side elevational view of a rear derailleur(component) having a control cable fixing device in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the linkage assembly ofthe rear derailleur illustrated in FIG. 15 with the control cable fixingdevice coupled to the inner link of the linkage assembly, as viewedalong section line 16-16 of FIG. 15 (i.e., a view like that of FIG. 7 ofthe first embodiment);

FIG. 17 is an exploded, enlarged perspective view of the control cablefixing device illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the control cable fixing deviceillustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 as viewed along a plane perpendicular tothe pivot pin of FIG. 16 passing through the cable fixing member and thesupport member, with the cable fixing member in a cable release positionprior to mounting the control cable between the cable fixing member andthe support member;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the control cable fixing deviceillustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 as viewed along a plane perpendicular tothe pivot pin of FIG. 16 passing through the cable fixing member and thesupport member, with the cable fixing member in a cable fixing positionwith the control cable mounted between the cable fixing member and thesupport member;

FIG. 20 is a further enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of thecontrol cable fixing device illustrated in FIGS. 16-19, as viewed alongsection line 20-20 of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the mounting plate of the controlcable fixing device illustrated in FIGS. 16, 18 and 19, as viewed alongarrow 21 of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained withreference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart from this disclosure that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 is illustrated with a rearderailleur 12 (bicycle component) coupled thereto in accordance with afirst embodiment of the present invention. The rear derailleur 12 isdesigned such that a control cable 14 can be manually fixed theretowithout the use of tools. Moreover, the rear derailleur 12 is designedwith the attachment point of the control cable 14 arranged in a locationthat reduces interference from debris while riding the bicycle 10.Specifically, the rear derailleur 12 includes a control cable fixingdevice 13 for fixing the control cable 14 thereto in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention. The control cable fixingdevice 13 is manually operable and arranged in an optimal location toprevent interference from debris.

The bicycle 10 is conventional, except for the rear derailleur 12 havingthe control cable fixing device 13. Thus, the bicycle 10 will not bediscussed and/or illustrated in detail herein, except as related to therear derailleur 12. The bicycle 10 basically includes a frame 111 withfront and rear wheels 16 and 18 coupled to the frame 11 in aconventional manner. The frame 11 includes a front fork pivotallycoupled thereto with a handle bar coupled to the front fork in aconventional manner to steer the front wheel 16. The rear wheel 18 iscoupled to the rear triangle of the frame 11.

A rear shift control device 20 is mounted on the handlebar to controlthe rear derailleur 12 via the control cable 14 in a relativelyconventional manner to move a chain C laterally over a plurality of rearsprockets RS that are coupled to the rear wheel 18. The rear sprocketsRS are coupled to the rear wheel 18 via a free wheel to selectivelyrotate the rear wheel 18 via the chain C in order to propel the bicycle10 in a conventional manner. A front crank FC with a plurality of frontsprockets FS coupled thereto is coupled to the frame 11 to cycle thechain C, and thus, to propel the bicycle 10. Preferably a frontderailleur 22 with a front shift control cable 24 coupled thereto iscoupled to the frame 11 in order to shift the chain C laterally over thefront sprockets FS in a conventional manner.

Front and rear brake mechanisms 26 and 28 are coupled to the frame 11 toapply braking forces to the rims of the front and rear wheels 16 and 18,respectively, in a conventional manner. A front shift control mechanism(not shown) is also preferably coupled to the handlebar to control thefront derailleur 22 to shift the chain C laterally over the frontsprockets FS. The rear shift control mechanism 20 preferably includes abrake lever pivotally coupled thereto to control the rear brakemechanism 28 in a conventional manner. The front shift control mechanism(not shown) also preferably includes a brake lever pivotally coupledthereto to control the front brake mechanism 26 in a conventionalmanner.

Since the various parts of the bicycle 10 are conventional, except forthe rear derailleur 12, the remaining parts of the bicycle 10 will notbe discussed or illustrated in detail herein, except as they relate tothe rear derailleur 12. Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilledin the art from this disclosure that various modifications can be madeto the various components or parts of the bicycle 10 without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

As used herein, the following directional terms “forward, rearward,above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse” as well asany other similar directional terms refer to those directions of abicycle equipped with the present invention. Accordingly, these terms,as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpretedrelative to a bicycle equipped with the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, the rear derailleur 12 basically includes abase member 30, a movable member 32, a linkage assembly 34, a chainguide 36 and a biasing member or spring 38. Generally, the base member30 is fixedly coupled to frame 11 for limited rotational movement, whilethe movable member 32 is movably coupled to the base member 30 via thelinkage assembly 34. The chain guide 36 is pivotally coupled to themovable member 32. The biasing member or spring 38 normally biases thechain guide 36 to the inner most (largest) of the rear sprockets RS. Thebase member 30 forms a first member adapted to be coupled to the frame11. The movable member 32, linkage assembly 34, chain guide 36 andbiasing member 38 form parts of a second member that is movable coupledrelative to the first member (base member 30).

The rear derailleur 12 is basically identical to the rear derailleur ofthe Saint™ component group available from Shimano, Inc., except the rearderailleur 12 of the present invention is equipped with the controlcable fixing device 13 in accordance with the present invention ratherthan a conventional cable fixing device. Thus, the basic operation ofrear derailleur 12 is well known in the prior art. Therefore, the rearderailleur 12 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein,except as related to the control cable fixing device 13.

Referring still to FIGS. 2-7, the base member 30 is illustrated as beingconstructed of two parts that are coupled to the frame 11 via the hub ofthe rear wheel 18. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart from this disclosure that the base member 30 can be constructed asone part and/or can be coupled directly to the frame 11 separately ofthe hub of the rear wheel 18 in a conventional manner. Moreover, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that thebase member 30 can be coupled to the frame 11 via removable derailleurhanger or hanging plate (not shown) in a conventional manner. In anycase, the base member 30 (i.e., a first member) is coupled to the frame11 for limited rotational movement.

The base member 30 includes a cable housing receiving recess 40 adaptedto receive part of the rear shift control cable 14. Specifically, therear shift control cable 14 includes an inner wire 14 a and an outercasing or sheath 14 b in a conventional manner. The cable housingreceiving recess 40 has an abutment surface 40 a and a through hole 40b. The inner wire 14 a of the control cable 14 extends through thethrough hole 40 b, while the outer casing 14 b is partially received inthe cable housing recess 40 such that the outer casing 14 b contacts theabutment surface 40 a in a conventional manner. The end of the innerwire 14 a that extends through the through hole 40 b is non-movablyfixed/retained by the control cable fixing device 13 of the presentinvention, as explained below in more detail.

The linkage assembly 34 includes a pair of links 42 and 44 that arepivotally coupled at first ends to the base member 30 and pivotallycoupled at their other ends to the movable member 32. Four pins 46 areused to pivotally couple the links 42 and 44 to the base member 30 andthe movable member 32. The biasing member 38 (i.e., a coil spring) iscoupled between the links 42 and 44 for biasing the chain guide 36 inone direction as best seen in FIG. 6, while the inner wire moves thechain guide in the other direction to locate the chain guide 36 in thecorrect gear position in a conventional manner. In the illustratedembodiment, the link 42 is an inner link that is located closer to thecenter plane of the bicycle 10 than the (outer) link 44. The links 42and 44 are inclined relative to the center plane of the bicycle 10 suchthat the link 42 is a lower link and the link 44 is an upper link.

The control cable fixing device 13 of the present invention is coupledto a substantially upper side of the linkage assembly 34 to move thechain guide 36 against the biasing force of the spring 38. Specifically,the control cable fixing device 13 is preferably coupled to anupwardly/inwardly facing surface 48 of the inner/lower link 42.Accordingly, when the rider operates the rear shift control mechanism 20to pull the inner wire 14 a of shift control cable 14, this will causelinks 42 and 44 to pivot outwardly relative to the base member 30against the bias of the coil spring 38 and will cause the movable member32 and the chain guide 36 to move outwardly away from the center of thebicycle 10. This in turn will cause the chain C to move from an inner(larger) gear of the sprockets RS to the next outer (smaller) gear ofthe sprockets RS in a conventional manner. Of course, if the rear shiftcontrol mechanism 20 is moved to release the inner wire 14 a of theshift cable 14, the spring 38 will move the linkage members 42 and 44such that the chain guide 36 will move the chain C inwardly from asmaller (outer) gear to a larger (inner) gear in a conventional manner.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-4, the chain guide 26 is movably supported onthe movable member 32. The chain guide 36 basically has a pair of guideplates 50 and 52 with a pair of sprockets or pulleys 54 and 56 rotatablycoupled between the guide plates 50 and 52 in a conventional manner. Thesprockets 54 and 56 engage chain C in a conventional manner. Thesprocket 54 is an upper, guide sprocket, while the sprocket 56 is alower, tension sprocket in a conventional manner. Since the chain guide36 is conventional, the chain guide 36 will not be discussed and/orillustrated in detail herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-14, the control cable fixing device 13 of thepresent invention will be explained in more detail. The control cablefixing device 13 of the present invention basically includes a supportmember or structure 60, a cable fixing member or structure 62, a pivotpin 64 and a c-clip 66 as best seen in FIG. 8. The cable fixing member62 is preferably non-threadedly supported on the support member 60 torotate about a rotation axis X. Specifically, the cable fixing member 62is preferably freely rotatably mounted on the pivot pint 64. The cablefixing member 62 and the support member 60 are arranged and configuredsuch that the inner wire 14 a of the control cable 14 is securedtherebetween in response to rotational movement of the cable fixingmember 62 to a cable fixing position (FIG. 12) from a cable releaseposition (FIG. 9), as explained below in more detail.

The support member 60 is preferably constructed of a lightweight, rigidmaterial such as a metallic material. The support member 60 basicallyincludes a base portion 70, a first mounting portion 72 and a secondmounting portion 74. The first and second mounting portions 72 and 74are axially spaced from each other, and extend upwardly/inwardly fromthe base portion 70 when the support member 60 is mounted on the uppersurface 48 of the inner link 42. The cable fixing member 62 is rotatablymounted between the first and second mounting portions 72 and 74 via thepivot pin 64.

Specifically, the first mounting portion 72 includes a first pinreceiving hole 72 a, a first wire receiving hole 72 b and a firstaxially facing retaining surface 72 c, while the second mounting portion74 includes a second pin receiving hole 74 a, a second wire receivinghole 74 b and a second axially facing retaining surface 74 c. The pivotpin 64 is retained in the first and second pin receiving holes 72 a and74 a by the c-clip 66 to rotatably support the cable fixing member 62.Thus, the rotation axis X is centered in the first and second pinreceiving holes 72 a and 74 a. The first and second axially facingsurfaces 72 c and 74 c are opposed to each other (i.e., face each otheralong the rotation axis X). In the illustrated embodiment, the axiallyfacing surfaces 72 c and 74 c are preferably planar surfaces that aresubstantially parallel to each other.

The base portion 70 basically includes a first connection section 76with a first attachment opening 76 a, a second connection section 78with a second attachment opening 78 a and an elongated central section80 with an upper surface 81. The central section 80 is arranged betweenthe first and second mounting portions 72 and 74. The first and secondconnection sections 76 and 78 extend in opposite axial directions fromthe first and second mounting portions 72 and 74. Moreover, the firstand second connection sections 76 and 78 extend in opposite axialdirections from the center section 80. In the illustrated embodiment,the upper surface 81 is preferably a planar surface substantiallyperpendicular to the axially facing surfaces 72 c and 74 c.

The first and second connection sections 76 and 78 also extend laterallyfrom the first and second mounting portions 72 and 74 and the centersection 80 such that the first and second attachment openings 76 a and78 a of the first and second connection sections 76 and 78 are laterallyoffset from the first and second mounting portions 72 and 74,respectively. The first and second attachment openings 76 a and 78 areceive first and second attachment pins 82 and 84 to couple the supportmember 60 to the upper surface 48 of the inner link 42. Thus, therotation axis X is laterally offset toward the outer link 44 from theattachment pins 82 and 84.

Preferably, the first and second mounting portions 72 and 74, the firstand second connection sections 76 and 78 and the center section 80 areintegrally formed together as a one-piece, unitary metallic member.However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that these parts can be constructed of several pieces fixedlycoupled together as needed and/or desired, as discussed below in anotherembodiment of the present invention. In any case, the first and secondmounting portions 72 and 74 preferably extend outwardly from the baseportion 70 having the upper surface 81 (i.e., of the central section80). The upper surface 81 is designed to cooperate with the cable fixingmember 62 to retain the cable fixing member 62 in the cable fixingposition (FIGS. 7 and 12-14), as explained below in more detail.

Referring still to FIGS. 2-14, the cable fixing member 62 will now bediscussed in more detail. The cable fixing member 62 is preferablyconstructed of a lightweight, rigid material such as a metallicmaterial. The cable fixing member 62 basically includes a cam portion 90and a lever portion 92 extending radially outwardly from the cam portion90 relative to the rotation axis X. Preferably, the cam portion 90 andthe lever portion 92 are elongated in the axial direction. Moreover, thecam portion 90 and the lever portion 92 are preferably integrally formedtogether as a one-piece, unitary member. However, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from this disclosure that the cable fixingmember 62 can have other configurations as needed and/or desired. Forexample, as seen from the two embodiments of the present inventionillustrated herein, it should be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that the terms “member” or “structure” refer toparts that can be constructed of one or more pieces (e.g., the supportmember 60 and/or the cable fixing member 62 could be constructed of twoor more separate pieces) if needed and/or desired.

The cam portion 90 includes a pin receiving bore 90 a, a wire receivingbore 90 b, a first axial end surface 90 c, a second axial end surface 90d and a peripheral cam surface 90 e extending between the axial endsurfaces 90 c and 90 d. The cam portion 90 has an axial length Lmeasured between the axial end surfaces 90 c and 90 d that is smallerthan a distance D measured between the first and second axially facingsurfaces 72 c and 74 c. In particular, the axial length L is preferablyequal to approximately (D−2W) or slightly larger than approximately(D−2W). W is the width of the inner wire 14 a. Thus, the inner wire 14 acan be received in the wire receiving holes 72 b and 74 b as well as thewire receiving bore 90 b when the cable fixing member 62 is moved to thecable fixing position (FIGS. 12-14) from the cable release position(FIGS. 9-11), as explained below in more detail.

The pin receiving bore 90 a is aligned with the pin receiving holes 72 aand 74 a of the first and second mounting portions 72 and 74,respectively. Thus, the pivot pin 64 can be received and retained in thepin receiving bore 90 a and the pin receiving holes 72 a and 74 a of thefirst and second mounting portions 72 and 74, respectively.Specifically, the pivot pin 64 includes an enlarged head to retain oneend, while the c-clip 66 is mounted in a groove at the other end toprevent removal of the pivot pin 64 in a conventional manner. The centeraxis of the pivot pin 64 forms the rotation axis X of the cable fixingmember 62.

The wire receiving bore 90 b is configured to be aligned with the wirereceiving holes 72 b and 74 b when the cable fixing member 62 is in thecable release position (FIGS. 9-11). Specifically, the wire receivingholes 72 b and 74 b are preferably aligned with each other and spacedlaterally to one side of the pin receiving holes 72 a and 74 a.Similarly, the wire receiving bore 90 b is also arranged laterally toone side of the pin receiving bore 90 a when the cable fixing member 62is arranged in the cable release position. The inner wire is freely(slidably) threaded through the wire receiving hole 74 b, the wirereceiving bore 90 b and the wire receiving hole 72 b when the cablefixing member 62 is located in the cable release position. The cablefixing member 62 is then rotated to fixedly secure the inner wire 14 ato the control cable fixing device 13.

Specifically, when the cable fixing member 62 is moved to the cablefixing position (FIGS. 12-14), the wire receiving bore 90 b is offsetfrom the wire receiving holes 72 b and 74 b. Due to the arrangement ofthe bore 90 b, the holes 72 b and 74 b, the dimension D between thesurfaces 72 c and 74 c, the axial length L of the cam portion 90 and thewidth W of the inner wire 14 a, the inner wire 14 a is preferablysecured between the support member 60 and the cable fixing member 62.More specifically, because the wire 14 a must bend (i.e. zigzag) throughthe holes 72 b, the bore 90 b and the hole 74 b, the wire 14 a ispreferably at least partially squeezed between the axial surfaces 72 cand 90 c, and between the axial surfaces 74 c and 90 d. Thus, the innerwire 14 a is preferably frictionally prevented from moving axially. Thisfrictional engagement between the inner wire 14 a, the support member 60and the cable fixing member 62 also aids in retaining the cable fixingmember 62 in the cable fixing position.

The peripheral cam surface 90 e is concentric about the rotation axis X.Preferably, the cam portion 90 has a substantially oval shaped as viewedalong the rotation axis X. Moreover, the cam portion 90 preferably has asubstantially constant cross-sectional profile along its entire axiallength. Thus, the peripheral cam surface 90 e is normally spaced fromthe upper surface 81 of the support member 60 when the cable fixingmember 62 is in the cable release position (FIGS. 9-11). However, due tothe eccentric shape of the cam portion 90, the peripheral cam surface 90e contacts the upper surface 81 of the support member 60 when the cablefixing member 62 is in the cable fixing position (FIGS. 12-14).

The peripheral cam surface 90 e preferably has a maximum radialdimension R that is slightly larger than a distance M measured betweenthe rotation axis X and the upper surface 81. Accordingly, when thecable fixing member 62 is rotated to the cable fixing position from thecable release position, the peripheral cam surface 90 e contacts andfrictionally engages the upper surface 81 to retain/secure the cablefixing member 62 in the cable fixing position. Thus, the cable fixingmember 62 is freely rotatably mounted on the pivot pin 64, except whenthe peripheral cam surface 90 e contacts the upper surface 81 of thesupport member 60.

The lever portion 92 is an elongated member that extends radiallyoutwardly from the cam portion 90 relative to the rotation axis X. Thelever portion 92 is arranged and configured to be manually operableusing the human hand. In particular, the lever portion 92 is designed toprovide a mechanical advantage such that the cable fixing member 62 canbe rotated by the human hand from the cable release position to thecable fixing position to securely retain the inner wire 14 a to thecable fixing device 13. Moreover, the lever portion 92 is preferablyarranged and configured to avoid contact with debris during riding.Specifically, the lever portion 92 is preferably arranged upwardly andinwardly relative to the linkage assembly 34.

In this embodiment, the axially facing surfaces 72 c and 74 c of themounting portions 72 and 74 can be considered first cable engagementsurfaces or cable support surfaces of the support member or structure60, while the axial end surfaces 90 c and 90 d of the cam portion 90 canbe considered second cable engagement surfaces or cable pressingsurfaces of the cable fixing member or structure 62. Additionally, inthis embodiment, the upper surface 81 can be considered a peripheralretaining surface disposed relative to the peripheral cam surface 90 eto retain the cable fixing member 62 in the cable fixing position. Inthis embodiment, the inner wire 14 a is substantially parallel to therotation axis X. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart from this disclosure that other arrangements are possible, such asthe inner wire being perpendicular to the rotation.

Second Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 15-21, a rear derailleur 212 with a modifiedcontrol cable fixing device 213 is illustrated in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention. The rear derailleur 212 ofthis second embodiment is identical to the rear derailleur 12 of thefirst embodiment, except the rear derailleur 212 has the modifiedcontrol cable fixing device 213 mounted in place of the control cablefixing device 13 of the first embodiment. In view of the similaritiesbetween the first and second embodiments, the parts of the secondembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment willbe given the same reference numerals as the parts of the firstembodiment. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations of the parts ofthe second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the firstembodiment will be omitted for the sake of brevity. However, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that thedescriptions and illustrations of the first embodiment also apply tothis second embodiment, except as explained and/or illustrated herein.

The rear derailleur 212 basically includes a base member 30, a movablemember 32, a modified linkage assembly 234, a chain guide 36 and abiasing member 38 (not shown in this embodiment). The modified linkageassembly 234 is identical to the linkage assembly 34 of the firstembodiment, except the modified linkage assembly 234 includes a modifiedinner link 242 with the modified control cable fixing device 213 coupledthereto in place of the control cable fixing device 13 of the firstembodiment. The inner link 242 is identical to the inner link 42 of thefirst embodiment, except the modified control cable fixing device 213 iscoupled thereto. Accordingly, the linkage assembly 234 will not bediscussed and/or illustrated in detail herein, except as related to thecontrol cable fixing device 213.

The control cable fixing device 213 basically includes a support memberor structure 260, a cable fixing member or structure 262, a pivot pin264 and a c-clip 266. The cable fixing member 262 is preferablynon-threadedly supported on the support member 260 to rotate about arotation axis 2X. Specifically, the cable fixing member 262 ispreferably freely rotatably mounted on the pivot pint 264. The cablefixing member 262 and the support member 260 are arranged and configuredsuch that the inner wire 14 a of the control cable 14 is securedtherebetween in response to rotational movement of the cable fixingmember 262 to a cable fixing position (FIG. 19) from a cable releaseposition (FIG. 18), as explained below in more detail.

The support member 260 is preferably constructed of a lightweight, rigidmaterial such as a metallic material. The support member 260 basicallyincludes a base portion 270, a first mounting portion 272 and a secondmounting portion 274. The first and second mounting portions 272 and 274are laterally spaced from each other, and extend upwardly/inwardly fromthe base portion 270 when the support member 260 is mounted on the innerlink 242. The cable fixing member 262 is rotatably mounted between thefirst and second mounting portions 272 and 274 via the pivot pin 264.

Specifically, the first mounting portion 272 includes a first pinreceiving hole 272 a, while the second mounting portion 274 includes asecond pin receiving hole 274 a. The pivot pin 264 is retained in thefirst and second pin receiving holes 272 a and 274 a by the c-clip 266to rotatably support the cable fixing member 262. Thus, the rotationaxis 2X is centered in the first and second pin receiving holes 272 aand 274 a. In this embodiment, the rotation axis 2X is substantiallyperpendicular to the inner wire 14 a that is coupled to the controlcable fixing device 213.

The base portion 270 basically includes a first connection section 276with a first attachment opening 276 a, a second connection section 278with a second attachment opening 278 a and a central section 280 with anupper surface 281. The first and second connection sections 276 and 278extend in opposite axial directions from both the first and secondmounting portions 272 and 274. Moreover, the first and second connectionsections 276 and 278 extend in opposite axial directions from the centersection 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 281 ispreferably a planar surface with a V-shaped groove 283 formed therein.The groove 283 extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis2X. The groove 283 is arranged and configured to at least partiallyreceive the inner wire 14 a therein.

The first and second connection sections 276 and 278 also extendlaterally outwardly and downwardly from both the first and secondmounting portions 272 and 274 and the center section 280 such that thefirst and second attachment openings 276 a and 278 a of the first andsecond connection sections 276 and 278 are laterally and verticallyoffset from the first and second mounting portions 272 and 274 and thecenter portion 280. The first and second attachment openings 276 a and278 a receive first and second attachment pins 82 and 84 to couple thesupport member 260 to the inner link 242 in a manner identical to thefirst embodiment.

Preferably, the first and second mounting portions 272 and 274, thefirst and second connection sections 276 and 278 and the center section280 are formed of two pieces 260 a and 260 b that are fixedly coupledtogether such as by welding or the like as best seen in FIGS. 16-21.Thus, lower and upper center elements 280 a and 280 b form the centersection 280. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that these parts can be constructed as a one-piece,unitary member as needed and/or desired. In any case, the first andsecond mounting portions 272 and 274 preferably extend outwardly fromthe base portion 270 having the upper surface 281 (i.e., of the centralsection 280). The upper surface 281 is designed to cooperate with thecable fixing member 262 to retain the cable fixing member 262 in thecable fixing position (FIG. 19), as explained below in more detail.

Referring still to FIGS. 15-21, the cable fixing member 262 will now bediscussed in more detail. The cable fixing member 262 is preferablyconstructed of a lightweight, rigid material such as a metallicmaterial. The cable fixing member 262 basically includes a cam portion290 and a lever portion 292 extending radially outwardly from the camportion 290 relative to the rotation axis 2X. Preferably, the camportion 290 and the lever portion 292 are integrally formed together asa one-piece, unitary member. However, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this disclosure that the cable fixing member 262can have other configurations as needed and/or desired.

The cam portion 290 includes a pin receiving bore 290 a, and aperipheral cam surface 290 e. The pin receiving bore 290 a is alignedwith the pin receiving holes 272 a and 274 a of the first and secondmounting portions 272 and 274, respectively. Thus, the pivot pin 264 canbe received and retained in the pin receiving bore 290 a and the pinreceiving holes 272 a and 274 a of the first and second mountingportions 272 and 274, respectively. The pivot pin 264 and the c-clip 266are identical to the first embodiment, except the pivot pin 264 isshorter than the pin 64. The center axis of the pivot pin 264 forms therotation axis 2X of the cable fixing member 262.

The peripheral cam surface 290 e is concentric about the rotation axis2X. Preferably, the cam portion 290 has a substantially oval shaped asviewed along the rotation axis 2X. Moreover, the cam portion 290preferably has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile alongits entire axial length. Thus, the peripheral cam surface 290 e isnormally spaced from the upper surface 281 of the support member 260when the cable fixing member 262 is in the cable release position (FIG.18). On the other hand, due to the eccentric shape of the cam portion290, the peripheral cam surface 290 e would contact the upper surface281 of the support member 260 when the cable fixing member 262 isrotated sufficiently (not shown).

However, the groove 283 preferably has a depth G that is smaller thanthe thickness W of the inner wire 14 a. Because the inner wire 14 a ismounted in the groove 283 between the support member 260 and the cablefixing member 262, the cable fixing member 262 is only rotated until theinner wire 14 a is sufficiently retained (squeezed) between the cablefixing member 262 and the support member 260 in the cable fixingposition (FIGS. 19 and 20). Preferably, the groove 283 includes a pairof semi-circular shaped, transverse humps 285 to assist in retaining theinner wire 14 a.

The peripheral cam surface 290 e preferably has a maximum radialdimension 2R that is larger than a distance 2M measured between therotation axis 2X and the upper surface 281. Accordingly, when the cablefixing member 262 is rotated to the cable fixing position from the cablerelease position, the peripheral cam surface 290 e contacts andfrictionally engages the inner wire 14 a to retain/secure the cablefixing member 262 in the cable fixing position. Thus, the cable fixingmember 262 is freely rotatably mounted on the pivot pin 264, except whenthe peripheral cam surface 290 e contacts the inner wire 14 a.

The lever portion 292 is an elongated member that extends radiallyoutwardly from the cam portion 290 relative to the rotation axis 2X. Thelever portion 292 is arranged and configured to be manually operableusing the human hand. In particular, the lever portion 292 is designedto provide a mechanical advantage and to avoid contact with debrisduring riding in a manner substantially identical to the firstembodiment. Specifically, the lever portion 292 is preferably arrangedupwardly and inwardly relative to the linkage assembly 234.

In this embodiment, the upper surface 281 with the groove 283 can beconsidered a first cable engagement surface or cable support surface ofthe support member or structure 260, while the peripheral cam surface290 e can be considered a second cable engagement surface or cablepressing surface of the cable fixing member or structure 262.Additionally, in this embodiment, the upper surface 281 with the groove283 can be considered a peripheral retaining surface disposed relativeto the peripheral cam surface 290 e to retain the cable fixing member262 in the cable fixing position. In this embodiment, the inner wire 14a is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 2X.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed. These termsshould be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of themodified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the wordit modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A bicycle control cable fixing device adapted to be coupled to abicycle component, said bicycle control cable fixing device comprising:a support structure having a cable support surface; and a cable fixingstructure non-threadedly supported on said support structure to rotateabout a rotation axis, said cable fixing structure having a cablepressing surface, said cable fixing structure and said support structurebeing arranged and configured such that an inner wire of a bicyclecontrol cable is secured between said cable support surface and saidcable pressing surface in response to rotational movement of said cablefixing structure about said rotation axis to a cable fixing positionfrom a cable release position, said fixing structure including a camportion having a peripheral cam surface concentrically arranged relativeto said rotation axis that is rotationally supported by said supportstructure, said peripheral cam surface being configured and arranged tomove said cable pressing surface toward said cable support surface whensaid cable fixing structure is moved from said cable release positiontoward said cable fixing position, said fixing structure not beingrotationally biased toward said release position.
 2. The bicycle controlcable fixing device according to claim 1, wherein said cable fixingstructure includes an elongated lever portion extending radiallyoutwardly from said cam portion relative to said rotation axis.
 3. Thebicycle control cable fixing device according to claim 2, wherein saidlever portion is non-movably fixed relative to said cam portion suchthat said cam portion rotates about said rotation axis in response torotation of said lever portion.
 4. The bicycle control cable fixingdevice according to claim 1, wherein said support structure includes abase portion adapted to be coupled to the bicycle component and a pairof axially spaced mounting portions extending from said base portionwith said cam portion of said cable fixing structure rotatably supportedbetween said mounting portions.
 5. The bicycle control cable fixingdevice according to claim 4, wherein said cam portion includes a pair ofaxial end surfaces with said peripheral cam surface extending betweensaid axial end surfaces, and said base portion includes a peripheralretaining surface disposed relative to said peripheral cam surface toretain said cable fixing structure relative to said support structurewhen in said cable fixing position and the inner wire is retainedbetween said support structure and said cable fixing structure.
 6. Thebicycle control cable fixing device according to claim 5, wherein saidperipheral retaining surface of said base portion includes said cablesupport surface, and said peripheral cam surface of said cam portionincludes said cable pressing surface.
 7. The bicycle control cablefixing device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of saidperipheral retaining surface and said peripheral cam surface includes agroove adapted to at least partially receive the inner wire of thecontrol cable therein.
 8. The bicycle control cable fixing deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein said peripheral retaining surface and saidperipheral cam surface are arranged and configured to form a spacetherebetween when said cable fixing structure is located in said cablefixing position, said space being configured to be smaller than atransverse dimension of the inner wire of the control cable such thatthe inner wire is squeezed between said peripheral retaining surface andsaid peripheral cam surface to non-movably couple the inner wire to saidbicycle control cable fixing device when said cable fixing structure ismoved to said cable fixing position from said cable release position. 9.The bicycle control cable fixing device according to claim 6, whereinsaid cam portion of said cable fixing structure is rotatably mounted ona pivot pin that extends between said mounting portions of said supportstructure.
 10. The bicycle control cable fixing device according toclaim 1, wherein said cable pressing surface is formed on said camportion.
 11. The bicycle control cable fixing device according to claim10, wherein at least one of said cable support surface and said cablepressing surface includes a groove adapted to at least partially receivethe inner wire of the control cable therein.
 12. The bicycle controlcable fixing device according to claim 10, wherein one of said cablesupport surface and said cable pressing surface includes a grooveadapted to at least partially receive the inner wire of the controlcable therein.
 13. The bicycle control cable fixing device according toclaim 10, wherein said cable support surface and said cable pressingsurface are arranged and configured to form a space therebetween whensaid cable fixing structure is located in said cable fixing position,said space being configured to be smaller than a transverse dimension ofthe inner wire of the control cable such that the inner wire is squeezedbetween said cable support surface and said cable pressing surface tonon-movably couple the inner wire to said bicycle control cable fixingdevice when said cable fixing structure is moved to said cable fixingposition from said cable release position.
 14. The bicycle control cablefixing device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral cam surfacebeing configured and arranged to move away from said rotation axis suchthat said cable pressing surface moves toward said cable support surfacein response to rotational movement of said cam portion about saidrotation axis when said cable fixing structure is moved to said cablefixing position from said cable release position.